Pramod Madhwaraj Inaugurates Two-day long Krishi Mela

Pramod Madhwaraj Inaugurates Two-day long Krishi Mela

Udupi: The road was jam-packed with a large number of farmers thronging to the two-day Krishi Mela organized by the Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Brahmavar under the jurisdiction of University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga on 15 and 16 October 2016 in collaboration with Agricultural Diploma College, Brahmavar, Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Ullal; Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Brahmavar and Mangaluru, NABARD, Mangaluru, Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Watershed Department, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture Fisheries and Forestry Udupi; SKDRDP, Udupi; District Krishik Samaj of Udupi and Mangaluru under the sponsorship of Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development, Cochin.

The Krishi Mela was held at the premises of the ZARS. Nearly 100 stalls are displaying a variety of agriculture and farm machinery. Many government departments have also put up their stalls. A variety of vegetables such as coconuts, areca, pepper, cocoa, cucumbers, papaya, lady’s fingers etc, and agricultural and horticultural products are displayed.

Farmers were seen thronging the stalls to purchase the farm equipment and also gather information of other equipment. Some were also seen collecting details of the seeds and information on new technology in farming. The stalls displayed all kinds of tools and equipment required for farming activities. The newly introduced four models of crop cutting machines grabbed the attention of most of the farmers.

The formal programme of the “Krishi Mela” began with the state anthem; Dr M Hanumanthappa Associate Director of Research, ZAHRS, Brahmavar welcomed the gathering.

Pramod Madhwaraj Minister of Fisheries, Youth and Sports Welfare and District in-charge Minister for Udupi District inaugurated the Krishi Mela by lighting the traditional lamp.

Addressing the gathering the minister said that earlier farmers of the coastal district were cultivating paddy in a big way but today the farmers are not showing interest in the cultivation of paddy. The area under paddy cultivation is declining and the land is being used for non-agricultural activities. The agriculture department should support the cultivation of paddy in the coastal district. There is a need to protect paddy cultivation in the district. The present generation is not showing interest in agriculture. There is a need to support and encourage the youth to take up farming, he added.

The programme was presided over by Dr V Vasudevappa, Vice Chancellor, UAHS, Shivamogga. Integrated Farming System units and the newly constructed Krishi Mela Platform, ZAHRS were inaugurated during the Mela.